U.S. patent application number 12/799836 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-10 for jet drive system powered by a 4-cycle engine to propel shallow water boats.
Invention is credited to Gary Allen Jarnot, Shawn Everett Kroll.
Application Number | 20110275257 12/799836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44902232 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110275257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jarnot; Gary Allen ; et
al. |
November 10, 2011 |
Jet drive system powered by a 4-cycle engine to propel shallow
water boats
Abstract
One embodiment of a boat or watercraft that is fitted with a jet
drive system powered by a 4-cycle engine and positioned in such a
way that will enable the boat to be propelled and maneuvered in
extremely shallow water and launched for use by a minimum of one
person.
Inventors: |
Jarnot; Gary Allen; (Sauk
Rapids, MN) ; Kroll; Shawn Everett; (St. Cloud,
MN) |
Family ID: |
44902232 |
Appl. No.: |
12/799836 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
440/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H 11/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
440/40 |
International
Class: |
B63H 11/107 20060101
B63H011/107 |
Claims
1. A jet pump drive system that is affixed centrally to the lowest
point of the transom in the stern portion of a buoyant water-proof
vessel for conveying human beings with or without cargo, comprising
a hull, keel, bow, and transom (i) as to mate with the discharge
opening of the water intake and discharge chute (ii) allowing the
pump to pull water through the water intake and discharge chute
when sufficient power is supplied to it from 4 cycle engine (iii)
to move said vessel, comprising i. a vessel, boat or watercraft
manufactured using but not limited to aluminum, fiberglass,
plastic, rigid inflatable materials or other rigid water-proof
buoyant materials for use in water, in combination with, ii. an
apparatus functioning as a water intake and discharge chute for
channeling and supplying the flow of water to the jet pump, and
iii. using but not limited to a 4-cycle engine commonly used in the
power equipment industry, but for which an electric motor utilizing
a battery(ies) may be substituted, and iv. a torque conversion
means that couples the jet pump drive shaft to the crank shaft of
the engine affixed centrally and in accordance with the jet pump
drive shaft location whereby there is created a large volume of
water through a directional nozzle, utilizing the Archimedes screw
principal, creating sufficient power for nautical propulsion that
will function in deep or extremely shallow water by means of said
jet-drive system, and v. where with water intrusion being deterred,
the jet pump drive shaft penetrates the water intake and discharge
chute (ii) to allow the jet pump drive shaft (1) to be accelerated
inside the hull (i) by said engine (iii), and vi. thereby combining
an engine (iii) and apparatus (ii) to provide nautical propulsion
by means of said jet-drive system (1) with a steering and control
of direction means to propel a vessel in shallow or deep water.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] None
FEDERALLY SPONSORED
[0002] Not applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention generally relates to jet-propelled
watercraft, specifically utilizing a 4-stroke engine and a
simplified drive system for shallow water use.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] The idea of jet propelled system for boats dates back to the
late 1920's as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 1,716,400 by John Arthur Weis.
In 1974, U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,447, inventor Robert Stubblefield
perfected the inboard propulsion system. In recent years, a jet
propulsion system has become popular and used primarily in jet skis
and jet boats. A jet pump is comprised of a steel impeller, a drive
shaft, a directional nozzle that connects to the steering cable tab
on the discharge nozzle directing the flow of water through the
nozzle which provides direction for the boat/apparatus to which the
jet pump is attached. With large engines and costly construction,
production and use of the jet boat is limited. Outboard motors are
subject to damage caused by obstructions such as rocks and logs
below the waterline of the boat. Therefore there is a need for an
improved john boat with a jet drive incorporating features that
allow for mass production and wide multi-use applications at a low
cost.
SUMMARY
[0008] This invention embodies a john or duck boat fitted with a
transom mounted jet propelled system that will allow it to navigate
in the shallowest of waters (4-7 inches) allowing access to rivers,
lakes, and even flooded streets during hurricane and flood
disasters. This will give exceptional maneuverability for search,
patrol and rescue operations, and will provide recreational
opportunities for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. An objective of
this invention is to provide these benefits at a significantly
reduced cost from that of conventionally produced construction.
This jet-propelled boat utilizes an air-cooled horizontal shall
4-cycle engine. Exhaust is not expelled into the water. No oil is
required to be mixed with the fuel, making the boat more convenient
to use. The 4-cycle engine is attached to the jet pump using a
drive and driven clutch system and belt. The boat can be launched
and docked by one person of average strength. The boat is
controlled by simple one-hand operation. An advantage of a
jet-propelled system is reduced maintenance due to less exposed
moving parts.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 is: an overhead view of an aluminum john boat with
the jet drive system, intake and discharge chute, the 4-cycle
motor, operator seat base, and steering lever with a throttle
grip.
[0010] FIG. 2 is: a side view of the boat featuring the housing
attached to the boat transom that protects the jet pump and
prevents water back splash, a 4-cycle motor, operator seat and
steering mechanism, and intake and discharge chute.
[0011] FIG. 3 is: a cross-section view of the motor in conjunction
with a means of torque conversion attached to the jet pump drive
system with a seal and bearing carrier to support it and to prevent
water from entering the boat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, an aluminum john boat configured with a
jet propulsion system (4) commonly found in jet-ski/watercraft
applications. The rider steers the jet-propelled boat (12) using a
simple steering lever (6) with a throttle grip (11).
[0013] The transom of all john boats is manufactured with roughly
an 80 degree angle to accommodate outboard motors. To accomplish
this invention, we begin by molding a 90 degree transom (7) which
will allow the jet pump (4) to be mounted to the transom (7) and be
positioned perpendicular to the bottom of the boat.
[0014] As illustrated in FIG. 3, on the keel portion of the john
boat (8) a custom aluminum intake cylinder (3) will direct water
from a hole cut in the keel on the stern portion of the boat (18).
This intake cylinder will direct water through a hole cut into the
transom of the boat (7) into the jet pump (4) to provide
propulsion. FIG. 2 shows an aluminum housing (20) attached to the
transom of the boat (7) that protects the jet pump (4) and prevents
back splashing.
[0015] FIG. 1. shows a jet pump (4) mounted and sealed to the
transom (7) thus also attaching it directly to the intake cylinder
(3) by four bolts and a rubber gasket (23).
[0016] As seen in FIG. 3, the jet pump drive shaft (13) is
positioned through a seal and bearing carrier (14) in the bow
portion of the custom intake cylinder (3). This seal and bearing
carrier (14) will provide support for the jet pump drive shaft (13)
as well as stop any water from entering boat.
[0017] Adequate torque to the jet pump is accomplished using a
comet series clutch system (2) as seen in FIG. 1. The driven
portion of the clutch (15) is attached to the jet pump drive shaft
(13) by means of a key way and set screws (9) as seen in FIG. 3.
This secures the driven clutch (15) to the jet pump shaft (13). The
drive portion of a comet series clutch (16) transfers power from
the four cycle engine (1) to the driven clutch (15) using a
symmetric belt system (25).
[0018] As seen in FIG. 3, a standard four cycle small engine (1) is
mounted to the top of the rear bench seat (9) by four bolts (2).
The drive portion of the comet series clutch (16) is attached to
the motor drive shaft (26).
[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 1, steering control is performed by
the user pushing or pulling on a custom made lever (6). This lever
pivots on a shaft connected to the seat base plate (5). A basic
water craft control cable (10) connects the steering lever (6) to
the directional nozzle of the jet pump (17). This will allow the
boat to steer left or right by means of water being pushed through
jet pump nozzle (17). Motor speed is controlled by a throttle
mechanism (11) attached to the steering lever (6).
[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a seat base is constructed using a
14 inch.times.14 inch aluminum plate (5) welded to the support
braces of the keel portion of the hull. The seat (21) is supported
by an aluminum seat post (24) and aluminum triangle supports
(24).
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0021] A jet-drive system has hitherto been applied successfully in
small aluminum boats. A simple combination of the following
concepts will be successful: [0022] 1. A simple mass-produced
4-stroke motor [0023] 2. A custom-manufactured intake and sealed
bearing carrier; [0024] 3. A mass-produced jet pump; [0025] 4. A
mass-produced drive and driven clutch system [0026] 5. A grate
positioned across the water inlet that will prevent ingress of
debris from entering the pump.
[0027] Accordingly the reader will see that, according to one
embodiment of the invention, there is provided an inexpensive,
environmentally friendly, commercially mass produced 4 cycle motor
mounted to a drive and driven clutch system connected through a
custom-manufactured intake and sealed bearing carrier attached to a
mass-produced, commercially available jet pump. Various features
and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or
substituted with one another in order to form varying modes of the
disclosed invention. It is intended that the scope of the present
invention hereto disclosed should not be limited by the particular
disclosed embodiments described above. Numerous details of the
construction may be altered or omitted without departing from the
spirit of this invention.
[0028] Ramifications: Elements that can be eliminated or duplicated
include but are not limited to other sized engines mounted to the
drive and driven clutch system and the john boat itself can be
changed in size, being made larger or smaller. Additionally, the
boat could be colored in camouflage for use in shooting sports such
as duck hunting, or can be painted to denote a rescue boat or a
boat suitable for jet-skiing or pageantry. Heavy-duty materials
could be used, provided they are water proof.
[0029] Scope: Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined
by the appended claim or claims and their legal equivalents, and
not solely by the examples given.
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